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    Switching to Avonex

    Hi all,
    I am now off of Copaxone after almost a year and a half. I had second IPIR on February 5 and five more after that. My neuro said that was unusual for so many to happen. She switched me to Avonex. So I'm waiting for them to contact me. I'm not in a big hurry because when I think about the flu-like symptoms and injecting in the muscle I get a little nervous. I just like the fact that I no longer have to inject every night.
    So now I wait. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

    Take good care.
    "Irrespective of what happened yesterday or last year, and what may or may not happen tomorrow, the present moment is where you are-always!"
    Richard Carlson, PH.D.

    #2
    Perfectly natural to be aprehensive about this change. Let me mention some positives for you.

    Weekly dosing.....nice!
    No site reactions with the exception of perhaps a little bruising.
    Side effects lessen over time.

    The Avonex pen that will be available later this year will make injections even easier. Until then, do ask for the 1" 25 guage needles (a seperate prescription is needed).
    A relaxed muscle is key to easier injections.

    They just announced recommendations to titrate the first several doses which minimizes side effects. Good news for those starting this medication!

    If you do have side effects, there are several ways to combat them.

    I've been on Avonex over 8 years now!

    Comment


      #3
      Be WELL hydrated on shot day. Take the shot later in the day so you will sleep through most of the side effects.
      Pre medicate with either Tylenol of Advil (or the generics)
      Enjoy only having to do it once a week
      You might ask for the 1" needle too.
      techie
      Another pirated saying:
      Half of life is if.
      When today is bad, tomorrow is generally a better day.
      Dogs Rule!

      Comment


        #4
        I’ve used Avonex for almost eight years. I did not titrate, and yes the side effects were particularly bad for the first few shots. The bruises were never disabling, and like other side effects they became less severe and more rare over time.

        My regiment of acetamenophin, hydration, and timing leaves side effects usually negligible. On many occasions after a Friday night injection I’ve been quite active the following Saturday morning. The work week sometimes runs me ragged more than the shot!

        I just hate needles of all lengths, even though pain of the standard 1-1/4-inch needle in the muscle is usually less than when my cat scratches me on the skin. That is why the “pen” could be of benefit to me, but I understand that folks on other DMDs prefer to not use the autoinjectors with their respective drugs.

        It is good that you will be able to continue attacking the disease, and with a medication that has passed the test of time as highly effective and tolerable! We hope it works for you as well!

        Comment


          #5
          Thank you all for the advice and suggestions. It means alot especially from those that have been on Avonex for awhile. I am so glad I have great support here for when I actually start taking it.
          "Irrespective of what happened yesterday or last year, and what may or may not happen tomorrow, the present moment is where you are-always!"
          Richard Carlson, PH.D.

          Comment


            #6
            Hello!

            The flu-like side effects vary from person to person but as the others said, hydrate well and premedicate. The IM injection actually hurts far less than you'd expect, and like the others said, the once-a-week deal is really quite awesome

            You've gone for quite a while with daily injections from the Copaxone which makes you far braver than me so you can definitely do this! Keep us posted!
            Dx RRMS 2008/Kesimpta Feb 2023
            UNbalanced Dog Trainer - Accredited pet dog training instructor

            Comment


              #7
              I've only been on Avonex since October, 2011, BUT there is rarely ANY and I repeat, no pain. That has been the amazing thing to me. Makes no sense, but hey I am not going to argue. The Betaseron hurt nearly every injection (for 4 + years) so this has been a very welcome surprise. My DH does the arm shots for me and I do the leg ones.

              Comment


                #8
                Everyone is different. My whole first year with Avonex was very very difficult. But I'm still on it.

                I can't sleep throught the night with a shot, so for me, a shot in the early morning is best.

                Also, the shot is not very painfull at all, but I still like to ice up.

                After my injection, I go to the gym and go about my normal busy day. I find it better not to sit around.

                Comment


                  #9
                  I just took my 6th Avonex shot and have finally figured out how to deal with the fever and muscle aches..I take my shot on Saturday nights and right after the shot I take Aleve. I majorly hydrate before and after the injection and each time I have followed this regimen I have felt pretty well the next day. When I was not hydrating well I had terrible migraines. Also no Aleve made body aches much more intense and on Sunday I felt horrible all day.

                  I wish I could stay on the Avonex but my insurance decided its "not medically necessary" so I am being switched to Copaxone.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    I don't understand how the insurance can do that? Is Avonex alot more expensive?

                    Sara

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Originally posted by Sara Angela View Post
                      I don't understand how the insurance can do that? Is Avonex alot more expensive?

                      Sara
                      I have no idea on the cost just was told its a no go unless I pay all of it out of pocket which is not possible

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